Paul McCartney Cancels Entire Japanese Tour

Paul McCartney's lingering illness has forced him to pull out of his entire Japanese tour.

McCartney, 71, contracted a virus last week, and was sick enough to make a rare cancellation of two shows at Tokyo's National Stadium. Now Billboard is reporting that his condition has not improved and the entire week-long tour has been scrapped.

"I'd like to thank my Japanese fans for their love, messages of support and understanding," McCartney said in a statement. "I hope to see you all again soon. Love, Paul."

In addition to the National Stadium concerts, he was also scheduled to play tomorrow (May 21) at Nippon Budokan -- where the Beatles memorably performed on their only tour of the island nation back in 1966 -- and Osaka on Saturday. Tickets, some of which cost as much as $1,000 a piece, are being refunded.

However, he expects to be well enough to continue his 'Out There' tour next week. His website still lists the May 28 stop at Seoul's Jamsil Sports Complex as going on as planned. In June, he will bring the tour to the U.S. for 19 dates that will carry him through the middle of August.